In the Classroom: RELATIONSHIPS & ENGAGING OUR TEENS

“THAT’S ME”

Have everyone stand on one side of the room. Ask ques­tions that have yes or no answers, but can be expounded on. Ask the question. If a person’s answer to the question is, “yes” they must move to the other side of the room. Example: I pre­fer pie over cake. (If you change sides, you must then reveal something about your answer, such as, “My favorite pie is apple.”)

I begin every class with an “Icebreaker” such as this. An ice­breaker is a great way not only for you to learn about your stu­dents, but also for your students to connect with one another.

We have created a safe place in our classroom. No one is ridiculed or poked fun at. When they feel this safety, it allows them to open up without a fear. I REALLY appreciate Sunday School. It should be a time of interaction. A time where when something is being taught, we have the ability to ask questions and learn with and from each other. Create questions that are more opinion based—where there is no right or wrong answer. Think about your Sunday School class and how intimidating it can be to answer a question. There is a fear that grips your heart that you will give the wrong answer, even when you are most assured that the answer is correct. Now let’s take that to a teen’s perspective where they desire to be accepted by their peers.

This is the age when teens are beginning to separate from parents and gravitate toward their peers. People actually refer to this sometimes as developmental individuating. They desire individuality all while trying to be accepted. This is a confusing and lonely place to be.

You see, teens are just trying to figure everything out and not be looked down upon by their peers to whom they are try­ing ever so hard to fit in with. And because of this individuating, it takes effort in order for an adult to gain their trust. They want to know if you are truly genuine.

Be who you needed when you were a teenager. This old saying is so cliché but is so very true, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

It’s all about building relationships with them. It is important that we make an effort to maintain a connection with them in a way that draws them in. They are not comfortable with just anyone. It takes someone special and it takes time and effort to pierce through the protective shell they have constructed. They NEED to know that they matter, not just when they are doing right and not just when they err, but that they matter all of the time.

It’s of the utmost importance that you not even give the appearance of showing partiality. This is just not biblical. James 2:9 says, “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” Be sure that before service—outside of church—you are spending equal amounts of time with each one. Remember how fragile their hearts are, and that their eyes see all! It is rare that a teen will tell you that they are hurt by you, but if you have not connected with them, they will simply internalize the pain.

We will see this more and more as the Church, as it is com­missioned to do, goes out into the world to preach to a lost and dying world. Teens are hurting. They are turning to eating disorders, cutting, and succumbing to depression. We are the ark! We have the full gospel. We have the Truth. They need us. They need to come into the safety of God’s Word and His Church. They need us to show them love and to connect with them, right where they are in their world and in their circum­stance. We cannot connect unless we make the effort and take the time to get to know them.

We connect by getting to know them individually. Greet them before they enter the classroom and make the rounds before service to be sure to speak to each of your students. Be intentional in your fellowship and be a regular participant in their life—not just on Sundays and Wednesdays. The con­nections that you make outside of church will greatly enhance your ability to minister in the church and at the altar. Make it your job to know when they have an important test coming up. Have they finished the book that they were reading and excited about?

When we do those things, we soften that shell of protection they have built for themselves because they feel safe. The Holy Ghost can now do His job as that shell is softened and we will start to see these teens yield to the power of God, be filled with the Holy Ghost and propel the Church. All of these things lead to an environment where you can now minister in a more effective way that interests and engages them.

Zig Ziglar once said, “Kids go where there is excitement and stay where there is love.”

We usually play a little 5-10 minute activity that ties the les­son all in. For example, if the lesson is on “All Members of One Body,” include an activity of team play dough. Pair them up in twos. One person can only use their left hand, while the other only uses their right and they must create an object within an allotted time.

Due to this media age, we actually now can boast an attention span that is shorter than a goldfish’s. That’s right, a goldfish has a longer attention span than a human. If we think about it though, we can send a simple message to anyone in a matter of seconds. We can order fast food on our smart phones and actually get it faster. Faster than “fast food.” Ha!!!

It is important that we break up the lessons and be imagi­native and keep them guessing as to what we are going to do next. It’s important that we keep their attention by utilizing more than one learning style. Some learn by seeing, some by hearing, and some by doing. By teaching in only one learn­ing style, we are only reaching 20% of our class—only 20%! Each and every one of these souls needs to be taught. They deserve to be taught and they deserve our effort.

absolutely LOVE working with teens and any, and all, things related to adoles­cence. They challenge me to think outside the box. They cause me to speak with intention and to love unconditionally. But most importantly, they are fragile. Within a shell that they have created to protect themselves, they are incredibly fragile. They love genuinely, feel deeply, and actually feel alone… very alone.

Remember to…….

 

 

*Connect—inside and outside of church*

*Be Present—in their lives*

*Show interest—in who they are*

*Create a safe atmosphere to learn in*

*Be Imaginative in your lessons*

CREATE A SAFE

ENVIRONMENT

BE

IMAGINATIVE

 

M Prayerfully read through the lesson to obtain a general idea of its contents.

T Dedicate time to special prayer specifically for direction and inspiration from the Holy Ghost, and for yourself to be a yielded vessel for God’s message to be conveyed to the students.

W Read the lesson again, making notes as the Holy Ghost draws specific points to your attention. Begin preparing any additional activities (games, discussions, object lessons, songs, etc.) you feel inspired to use that will supplement the lesson material.

T Continue compiling lesson notes and incorporating supplemental activities.

F Finalize lesson notes and activity preparation.

S Prayerfully give the lesson a final review for clarity and to familiarize yourself with the lesson presentation.

S Pray for each member and potential visitor of your Sunday School class, for each heart to allow the Spirit of the Lord to move freely and bring understanding of God’s Word. Lift up any special needs you are aware of in your class. Teach with expectation that the Lord’s voice will be clearly heard.

 

By Jennifer Lewis, Cleveland, TN